Damon and Sage reunite a century after their first encounter. They meet again at a ceremony to begin restoration of Wickery Bridge. Meanwhile, Abby has trouble adjusting to her new reality; and Elena tries to help Stefan with his latest struggles.
Damon recalls murders from 1912 that are eerily similar to a present-day crime spree. Meanwhile, Elena and Matt try to prove that Dr. Fell is a killer
Elena learns about a startling indiscretion by Damon. Meanwhile, Bonnie and Abby take part in a ritual to appease the spirits of nature; and Elijah gives Damon and Stefan a dangerous ultimatum that puts Elena in danger.
Elena attends a formal ball at Klaus' newly renovated mansion and learns of a horrifying plan that could lead to numerous deaths
Klaus hosts a dinner party and an unexpected guest arrives; Sheriff Forbes shares upsetting news with Alaric and Elena about a weapon used in a murder
Plot:Bonnie believes her dreams she's been having about Klaus's coffins will help her figure out how he can be killed. The recurring dreams also lead Bonnie to a reunion with her mother, Abby, whom Bonnie hasn't seen for 15 years. When they visit Abby's farmhouse, Bonnie and Elena meet Jamie, a young man Abby took in years earlier. Though Bonnie's sudden appearance catches Abby off-guard, she does her best to explain the past. Tyler turns to an unexpected ally as he works to regain his free will. Damon is intrigued by Dr. Fell, and Klaus and Stefan continue their violent negotiations over control of the coffins containing Klaus's family members.
Plot:Elena, Bonnie and Matt throw a surprise party for Caroline's 18th birthday. When Stefan and Damon can't agree on how to deal with Klaus, Stefan decides to test out his plan. Elena tells Bonnie that Jeremy's leaving town. Alaric runs into Dr. Fell at a Founder's meeting. Tyler is surprised when Klaus doesn't object at his refusal to go along with Klaus' latest demand.
Plot:Because Stefan has hidden the coffins containing the bodies of Klaus' family, Klaus threatens violence to convince Damon and Elena that no one will be safe until he finds Stefan and gets his family back. Tyler continues to take advantage of his new hybrid powers, but he must also deal with unsettling consequences of his actions. After a terrifying incident, Elena and Alaric become concerned about Jeremy's attitude and his safety. Alaric meets Dr. Fell, who is intrigued with his impressive ability to heal. While trying to work out a deal with Klaus, Elena gives him some news that truly surprises him.
Plot:Elena is uneasy and confused after Rebekah tells her why the night of the Homecoming dance is so significant. Tyler's actions during the evening leave Matt and Caroline shaken. Things turn bizarre when Klaus decides to activate his latest plan and, while trying to outsmart him, Damon forms a risky liaison which gives rise to a horrifying unforeseen development.
Ordinary People
Elena and Rebekah engage in a power struggle, until Rebekah reveals her family's ancient secrets and violent past with Klaus. Meanwhile, Damon tries a reckless new approach to make a breakthrough with Stefan.
Ghost World
Mystic Falls is invaded by spirits of the dead during the town's Illumination Night, and Damon encounters an angry ghost with surprising power. Meanwhile, Elena persuades Jeremy to use his connection to the spirit world to help find Stefan.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Elena, Caroline, Bonnie and Matt begin their senior year of high school. Meanwhile, Damon becomes annoyed with a new house guest, and everyone is surprised by a new arrival in Alaric's history class.
The Reckoning
Despite all that has happened, Caroline (Candice Accola) is determined to see that Elena (Nina Dobrev), Bonnie (Kat Graham), Matt (Zach Roerig) and Tyler (Michael Trevino) all enjoy a traditional Senior Prank Night before the school year begins at Mystic Falls High School.
Disturbing Behavior
Klaus contacts a witch from his past to see why his plan isn't working. Meanwhile, Damon faces a new enemy and lashes out in a way that brings about lasting consequences; Jeremy makes a breakthrough with one of his ghostly visitors
The End of the Affair
Klaus and Stefan travel to Chicago, where Stefan is reunited with a vampire who was in love with him decades earlier. Meanwhile, Damon and Elena follow Stefan's trail; and Tyler worries about Caroline and turns to her mom for help.
The Hybrid
Klaus puts a plan in motion that will give him even more power, but even with the unwilling participation of werewolf Ray Sutton, things don’t go exactly as Klaus had planned.
The Birthday
The third season begins with Elena and Damon searching for Stefan, who is with Klaus tracking a werewolf. Meanwhile, Caroline plans a party for Elena's 18th birthday, and Jeremy sees the ghosts of his late girlfriends Vicki and Anna.
